DVD Review: NCIS – The Complete Sixth Season

No one would have thought that when JAG introduced a new team of naval criminal investigators that it would spawn a new television phenomenon. When NCIS spun off from JAG in 2003, it was billed as a more modern, more action-packed version of the legal military drama. While NCIS started out fairly modestly in the ratings, it became one of the few shows out there to increase ratings every season until it became one of the most-watched shows on television. NCIS became so popular, in fact, that it's spawning a spin-off of its own, NCIS: Los Angeles, set to air this fall on CBS.

NCIS follows the lives and adventures of a group of Naval Crime Investigative Service agents who conduct criminal investigations for the US Navy and Marine Corps.

What makes NCIS one of the best crime dramas on television are its amazing characters and cast. Every member of the NCIS team has a unique personality that adds humor, spunk, fun, and a degree of unpredictability. From the perverted, boyish — and, might I add, die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan — Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) to the perky, tattoo-covered, caffeine-addicted goth Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) to the gut-instinct, dashing Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and others, NCIS is the perfect mix of fast-paced crime drama and spot-on character chemistry.

Even if you aren't a big fan of crime dramas, are turned off by the blood and dead bodies, or just want to stay away from military-related shows, NCIS still has something to offer. The interplay between the characters is hilarious, fun, and just downright enjoyable. The cast really works together to make the show shine — really, most television casts don't even come close to the character chemistry in NCIS.

Season six is another triumph for the series, continuing the show's trademark creative, character-driven dialog. The cases are just as fact-paced, fascinating, and unpredictable as ever. Even more than previous seasons, though, season six plays on emotional cases and unexpected occurrences that take the characters to the edge. Each episode is packed with plenty of amazing twists and turns and leads to an unforgettable cliff-hanger.

One of the (very) few downfalls of this season is the pair of "Legends" episodes that take Gibbs and Agent Tim McGee (Sean Murray) to Los Angeles. The purpose of these episodes is to introduce the cast and concept of NCIS's spin-off show, NCIS: Los Angeles, much like when NCIS spun off from JAG. While I understand the reason for these episodes, and appreciate that they are still interesting and well-paced, I found that I missed the NCIS characters that I have come to love. There just wasn't enough of Ziva, Abby or Tony in these episodes.

The bonus features for season six are great. They include cast and crew commentary on a handful of episodes, an acoustic version of Pauley Perrette's "Fear" from the NCIS soundtrack, a great collection of cast discussions about the events of season six, an enlightening feature on the company that creates the artificial bodies used on the show, an in-depth look at the first story arc of the season, and a feature on the unforgettable episode "South by Southwest."

This season continues the legacy of NCIS and proves once again why it's one of the best crime dramas and highest-rated shows on television. Be careful when you buy this one, because you'll want to sit back and watch every episode back-to-back before starting over again. If this is your first introduction to NCIS, you'll want to rush out and get the other seasons.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. NCIS is all that, and more, of course. I always enjoy seeing people go from ‘NCIS? What’s that?’ to ‘I can’t believe I never watched this show before! I love it!’
Can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on this season 6 set. It will go nicely with the 1-5 sets I have right now.

TC, you missed the middle stage – it really went, “NCIS? What’s that?” to “NCIS? Why is it so popular? Nobody ‘I’ know watches it.” to “I can’t believe I never watched this show before! I love it!”

What makes NCIS work is the chemistry between the cast members and that takes time to develop and get right. CSI – at least when William Petersen was there – had it in abundance, CSI: Miami hardly has it at all.

ch

I have always loved NCIS! What I would like to know is, why did Lauren Holly leave the show? I will miss her. Please quit killing the cast off. Keep up the good work!!!